Be aware that comments and pictures posted online will be read in years to come by people including new friends, family and employers. If in doubt, ask yourself if the public should be seeing it.
Jodie Marsh was bullied severely when growing up, and contemplated suicide; she now campaigns for anti-bullying programmes. Call HopeLine on UK 0800 068 41 41 for suicide prevention advice.
Name-calling hurts and is a form of bullying. Think how it would feel if someone said those words to you, or if a group of people said them.
Report a crime or anti-social behaviour by calling the police, or Crimestoppers (0800 555 111) if you want to remain anonymous – they will pass the info on to the police.
Signing up for Facebook includes accepting the contract of their terms and conditions – which includes the agreement not to bully, intimidate, harasses or to post hate speech. Doing this could result in facebook taking legal action against you, as well as the consequences from the Police of documented bullying.
Facebook’s terms state “You will not bully, intimidate, or harass any user. You will not post content that: is hateful, threatening, or pornographic; incites violence; or contains nudity or graphic or gratuitous violence.”
If you are unsure or worried about the safety of a child, young person or vulnerable adult, please contact your local Police or Social Work Services or telephone the National Child Protection Helpline 0800 022 3222.
Samaritans provides confidential emotional support 24/7 to those experiencing despair, distress or suicidal feelings.
Facebook has three main tools you can use if you are being bullied on Facebook: Unfriend – only your Facebook friends can contact you through Facebook chat or post messages on your Wall; Block – this will prevent the person from seeing your information, including posts and updates – even if they’re a friend of friends – or contacting you in any way on Facebook; Report – if they’re posting abusive content, report the person.
If you are being bullied on facebook, they suggest you don’t respond, don’t keep it a secret and do document and save the messages.